Are your teeth crooked and misaligned? Are you looking to get fitted braces to transform your smile? Modern technology means that there are many different options available for an orthodontic appliance that suits your needs. Metal braces are no longer the be-all and end-all.
What also doesn’t matter is your age. It is more popular for young adults or teenagers to get braces. However, don’t let this put you off if you’re at an adult age and you’re looking to fit braces to your teeth.
You probably want to know: what is the best age to get braces? Whilst you can get braces at any time, there is always the best time to get braces.
So, let us break this down to give you a better understanding of the best time to get braces for the best results for your smile.
When Is The Best Age To Get Braces?
Studies say that it is more beneficial for your dental health to get braces fitted at a young age when you’re a teenager. Typically, if you’re between the ages of 10 to 14 years of age, then this is the best time to get braces.
Why is this?
While the mouth and head are still developing, braces are most effective. This stage allows for a quicker treatment period because the teeth will be more responsive to orthodontic treatment. Waiting until your child’s body has done growing and is in its late teens can result in a lengthier treatment period and possibly fewer effective results.
Because of your child’s still-growing body, early treatment not only leads to a shorter treatment time but also frequently produces superior results.
Equally, when teeth are developing, the orthodontist can spot issues with any teeth that need to erupt or grow, making it easier to intervene and make adjustments to your braces wherever possible to keep your teeth straight.
What Are The Signs Of Needing Braces?
Breaking down the term’s misalignment and crooked teeth, here are the key signs that indicate that you will likely need braces:
- Irregular or an early loss of baby teeth
- If you have an overbite or underbite
- Difficulty chewing and biting down on foods
- If your upper and lower teeth protrude
- The jaw and teeth are too far out
- Your teeth are crooked and crowded
What Orthodontic Options Are Available?
In the past, metal braces were the only option to straighten your teeth. This has now changed. Below breaks down the individual orthodontic options available.
Metal Braces
Metal braces, also referred to as traditional braces, are a well-liked and time-tested orthodontic treatment method. Metal braces are joined by metal wires and brackets, where the appliance applies consistent pressure to each tooth throughout treatment so that your teeth gradually shift back into a rightful position to support better alignment and a healthier bite.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are made to function similarly to metal braces. The main distinction is that they are virtually invisible in the mouth, and the wires are made of plastic, coloured to blend in with your natural teeth. This indicates that the difference is in how obvious they are when worn. If you don’t want the metal wires and brackets to show when you smile, clear braces are a discrete choice.
Invisalign
Clear, transparent aligners called Invisalign are used to gradually move teeth back into place while also correcting faults in biting and alignment. The Invisalign aligners are made of BPA-free thermoplastic and are virtually invisible and removable. During your initial appointment, the dentist will make custom aligners to fit your mouth’s size and shape using an impression of your teeth and provide a set of Invisalign trays for you to wear throughout treatment. This is a better choice if you care about your aesthetic appearance.
The best age to get braces is typically between the ages of 10 to 14 years of age. Your mouth’s development can respond to change quickly, and it is better for the orthodontist to manage development and make corrections throughout treatment for better results.
If your child is in need of braces, then consult your orthodontist for an appointment today! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to My Family Dental clinics in Emerald, Bowen, Innisfail, Townsville, Ingham, and Bohle Plains.
